Children and staff at Eden Park Primary School in Brixham will be taking part next week in a Dr Bike Clinic, organised by charity Sustrans.

Sustrans is working with schools in Torbay to provide children with the skills and information necessary to allow them to take to two wheels for the journey to school on a regular basis.

Children at Eden Park Primary School will be invited to bring in their bikes to have them checked over by local bike mechanics. The following week, the school will be hosting a Be Bright competition where pupils will be encouraged to cycle or scoot to school in their brightest and loudest clothes.

Headteacher Mr Ken Kies said: "We are delighted to be involved in the Bike It programme. At Eden Park sustainability has been high profile and children have been involved in all sorts of projects to raise awareness and to help protect the environment.

"Children compost waste, keep chickens, recycle a wide variety of materials, grow vegetables and of course try and encourage healthy and sustainable ways of travelling to school. Our bike shed is often full during the summer months and even I cycle to school most days. It is enjoyable and also sets a good example.

"The number of children coming by bike is still relatively low despite less than 50% of families using the car. We are therefore keen to raise the profile of biking further."

Cllr Robert Excell, Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Safer Communities and Transport, said: "Sustrans' Bike It programme supports our transportation policies and strategies, and it is hoped that by increasing the number of pupils and parents who choose sustainable ways to get to school, congestion from the school run will be reduced in the Bay. It also helps cut down on fuel costs."

Siobhan Grady, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS Torbay, said: "Cycling and scooting to school are great ways for our children to get the exercise they need every day to keep healthy, and research shows it allows them to become better students in the classroom. And let’s not forget it’s fun, too."

Sustrans works in Torbay thanks to funding from Torbay Care Trust and Torbay Council.